Several years ago, we explored the somewhat nebulous world of direct-to-consumer fashion websites that are based in China. One site caught our attention. The site intrigued us because the clothing and accessories seemed sophisticated, fun and were remarkably inexpensive. Lucy decided to give it a try and bought a pair of leather boots.

What could go wrong?

We know that most clothing in large department stores like Macy’s and off-price retailers like TJ Maxx  are labeled Made in China, Vietnam or other Asian locations. We assumed buying direct from the manufacturer in China would be risky, but we decided to take a chance in the name of a new fabulous addition to our wardrobe and the fact that the clothing is much less expensive.

BUT the scary part is,  Are they legitimate? Would they use our credit card to scam us, would they take the money and not deliver and/or would the items be unwearable? All of which would mean a protracted go-round with the credit card company.

First direct from China purchase

The first purchase we tried were boots and Lucy was delighted to report that the boots fit perfectly, seemed to be leather and even smelled like leather. They came wrapped in what looked like a Chinese newspaper. They were under $50.00, including shipping and they arrived as promised. Lucy gets a lot of compliments and loves to tell their story. And they have not fallen apart yet, even after a few years.

There are increasing numbers of these direct-to-consumer sites such as Zolucky, Nora, Cora, and Chic Wish to name a few and they offer similar styles.  We wonder if they buy from the same production house or if they are really all the same with different names.

We could not resist trying another purchase again. As lifelong lovers of linen, we decided to order a couple of items.

Lucy’s review:

“I ordered a few blouses .  They arrived in a timely manner as promised. They were as described, the fit-to-size chart provided was correct, and the designs are lovely.  The primary flaw is that the fabric is thin,  almost see thru. That is not apparent on their website.

I decide that the blouses will have to be worn with a camisole. Lots of compliments when I wear one of the blouses. I have yet to launder. Would I buy again? I think so.

We know going direct in most cases is less expensive than a middle person, who then sells and delivers to a store, adding to the cost of merchandise.  Would we have purchased the same items if we had tried them on in the store… maybe not due to the thin fabric?”

When we purchase in store, we try clothing on and/or we buy them and when we get them home we decide we do not like them, we return them. Research tells us that people who buy clothes on-line are less likely to return than if they bought them in a retail store.  

A linen blouse from China

Few of us want to go through the hassle of returning by mail and online sites count on this.

Linen is thin but very stylish

Returns are a huge and costly factor in the success of any retail business, especially if the customer wants a refund and not another size or color.

Is this an important story? Yes and no.  If shopping from home continues to be how we dress ourselves, yes, this could be a trend if these manufacturers continue to deliver on time, at a good price, and not haunt us with follow up emails.

However, the direct-to-consumer approach begs the question of the real costs of that shirt sent directly from China.  It was shipped by air freight and that environmental climate cost must be considered.  We are not sophisticated enough in economics to determine the “real” cost of the discounted Made In China shirt.   Yes, TJ Maxx gets air-freighted clothing from China but the scale in quantity is dramatically different. 

We are not recommending buying from the multiple direct-to-consumer sites.  But Lucy is the ultimate bargain hunter who appreciates what’s new in fashion and she has so far been batting 100. Two for two purchases have been successful so she will be on the lookout for what these site have to offer for the fall collection.

She did offer one last thought: “Why does it seem that when you order clothes on-line and you open the box it seems more like a present, even if you paid for them yourself?” Consider that!

Ciao!

Lucy and Claudia